Pages in this set

Page 1

The maximum population size that can be maintained over a period of time in a
Carrying capacity
particular habitat.

Clear felling Felling all the trees in an area at the same time.

A struggle between individuals for resources (like…

Page 2

What is population growth?

Point A on the graph to the left is called the lag
phase
o In this phase few individuals of a species
are adjusting to the habitat
There is a slow rate of
reproduction
Point B on the graph is called the log phase
o In…

Page 3

Which leaves less food for the predator so its population falls
With fewer predators, the prey population then increases
o With more prey, the predator population then increases
Predators may have more than one prey so they aren't as effected by one prey population decreasing

How does this relate to…

Page 4

What is intraspecific competition?

Intraspecific competition is competition for limited resources between organisms of the same species
o The individuals compete for exactly the same resources
Those best adapted will survive and reproduce
Making this a process of natural selection
Intraspecific competition slows down population growth
o This is because…

Page 5

This reduces the size of the less efficient species' realised niche
o Too much overlap may lead to the competitive exclusion of the less
efficient species from the ecosystem
Interspecific competition can limit species distribution as only one

organism can inhabit a
particular niche at a time
o In the…

Page 6

They are later harvested for use in fencing, firewood or furniture
The cycle then continues

What is rotational coppicing?

Rotational coppicing involves cutting sections of a wood each year
o The first section has grown and is ready for coppicing again, by the time return to it
They typically have…

Page 8

Comments

A well presented and concisely written set of notes, with clear coloured diagrams and sets of key words and definitions. These would be useful for any A level Biology student needing to study populations, ecological niches, limiting factors and competition as part of their specification. The key words could be used to generate a set of flashcards could be downloaded and used as a self test.